NE Iowa Man Identified as Fire Fatal

CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have identified the body of a man found after a fire damaged a four-unit apartment in the northern Iowa community of Charles City.

The Charles City Police Department says the body of 27-year-old Joshua Nelson was found inside one of the apartment units following a fire reported Monday afternoon. He lived in the building.

The Charles City Fire Department says the porch and front entrance were fully engulfed when crews arrived on the scene. Strong winds caused the blaze to spread through the complex.

Fire Chief Eric Whipple says authorities believe the fire was due to improperly discarded smoking material. They also believe it started in a piece of furniture on the porch.